Pharmaceutical Science: New Insights and Developments Vol. 7

Phage Therapy and Phage-Based Drug Development: A Comprehensive Review

2025-08-04T05:29:45+00:00

Phage therapy, the use of bacteriophages to treat bacterial infections, has a history dating back to the early 20th century. It is regaining momentum as a promising weapon against the rising threat of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria. Antibiotic resistance is an escalating global health crisis, posing a severe threat to the control of microbial diseases. This comprehensive review explores the historical context, the modern resurgence of phage therapy, and phage-facilitated advancements in medical and technological fields. It details the mechanisms of action and applications of phages in treating MDR bacterial infections, particularly those associated with biofilms and intracellular pathogens. The review further highlights innovative uses of phages in vaccine development, cancer therapy, and as gene delivery vectors. Despite its targeted and efficient approach, phage therapy faces challenges related to phage stability, immune response, and regulatory approval. By examining these areas in detail, this review underscores the immense potential and remaining hurdles in integrating phage-based therapies into modern medical practices.

The Influence of Physicians’ Personality Traits on Prescribing Practices

2025-08-04T05:38:22+00:00

The interaction between patients and physicians is fundamental to the delivery of quality medical care. Physicians are tasked with navigating patient requests while upholding professional standards and evidence-based practices in their prescribing behaviour. Personality differences between physicians and patients can affect treatment outcomes. Further, physicians’ attention to patients’ emotional needs has a positive effect on recovery and responsiveness to treatment. Physicians' Prescription behaviour is the result of 4Ps, namely Product, Physicians, Promotion, and Patient’s expectation. In today’s world of evidence-based medicine with ever-growing demand in patient expectations, physician- patient-centric management a pathological condition is gaining acceptance from the normal disease management approach. As with the general population, physicians exhibit distinct personality traits that result in differential responses to identical clinical stimuli or professional circumstances. Aiming for better patient care and patient expectations, research work across the world has been administered to identify the perfect physician personality traits right from the selection of speciality, knowledge dissemination during the study period, and managing patients during the practice sessions. However, there is little research conducted thus far, on understanding the physician’s personality make-up, focusing on their motives, values, and preferences in their professional practice. This review investigates how the personality traits of physicians impact their drug prescribing behaviours, a topic that remains largely unexplored despite its significance for patient-centered care and therapeutic effectiveness. This study is an effort to specialise in the research work done thus far in understanding the impact of a physician’s personality aimed toward improving patient care. Further research in understanding physicians’ personalities and their role in physicians' prescribing decisions will help the Pharma industry towards developing much-needed medico-marketing initiatives with optimal utilisation of resources towards disseminating the latest therapeutic interventions to the physicians for better patient care, which is the stepping stone for Physician-patient centric management.

Transdermal Delivery of Physostigmine: Novel Approach to Sustained Drug Release

2025-08-04T05:40:53+00:00

Transdermal delivery systems are self-contained, discrete dosage forms designed to deliver drugs across the intact skin at a controlled rate directly into the systemic circulation. Transdermal drug delivery systems have emerged as a promising alternative to conventional oral and parenteral routes. The present study focuses on the development of a Transdermal drug delivery system for physostigmine, aimed at overcoming hepatic first-pass metabolism and reducing dosing frequency compared to the conventional oral route. The standard calibration curve of Physostigmine is constructed using Phosphate buffer pH7.4 as the medium, with Spectro photometric analysis performed at the drug's maximum absorbance of 255nm.Matrix-type transdermal patches were formulated using polymers such as Eudragit L 100, HPMCK4M, HPMC K15M Propylene glycol and Tween 80 were incorporated as the plasticiser and permeation enhancer, respectively, to improve patch flexibility and drug permeation through the skin. Transdermal patches were formulated using the solvent casting technique, enabling uniform film formation and drug dispersion. In vitro permeation studies were performed using a dialysis membrane (Hi-media) with a molecular weight of 12,000 Da to stimulate transdermal diffusion behaviour. The drug release data obtained from the study were fitted into various kinetic models-zero-order, first order, Higuchi and Korsemeyer-Peppas to evaluate the mechanism of drug release. Among the various formulations, the P6 patch exhibited the most promising results, achieving 96.5% of drug release over 12 hours period. The P6 formulation demonstrated a high regression coefficient (R²=0.9892) for the Korsemeyer-Peppas model with an n value of 0.6203, indicating a non-Fickian diffusion mechanism. Release kinetics analysis revealed that the drug release from P6 formulations followed Peppas model, indicating a diffusion-controlled mechanism. The findings of this study indicate that the developed physostigmine transdermal patch provides an effective alternative to oral administration by enabling sustained release, improving bioavailability, and potentially enhancing therapeutic outcomes.

Characterization of Phytochemicals and Antioxidant Activity in Leaf and Flower Extracts of Ruta graveolens L., an Ethnomedicinal Plant of BR Hills, Chamarajanagar, Karnataka, India

2025-08-04T05:43:47+00:00

The Rutaceae or rue family is commonly known as the citrus family and consists of cultivated fruit trees and medicinal herbs. Ruta graveolens L. is a scandent, highly medicinal herb distributed in various countries around the globe and has drawn attention due to its ethnomedicinal value. The present work attempted to study the phytochemicals and antioxidant activity in the leaves, flowers/ seeds in the natural populations of R. graveolens found in the Biligiriranga hills, Karnataka, India. The phytochemical analysis carried out using leaf, flower and seed extracts of R. graveolens showed the presence of flavonoids and cardiac glycosides. The aqueous extract (polar solvent) of the leaf showed the presence of flavonoids, steroids and terpenoids. The fresh extract of (methanol) flowers and seeds showed the presence of flavonoids and terpenoids. The leaves, flowers and seed extracts showed the presence of four phytochemicals, namely flavonoids, terpenoids, steroids and glycosides. The total phenolic content conducted for the hexane leaf extract was detected at 45.90 µg GAE/g of total phenolics. The ethanol extract of the leaf contained 134.4 µg GAE/g of total phenolics. The aqueous extract of the leaf contained 124.34 µg GAE/g of total phenolics, whereas fresh extract of the flowers and seeds contained 95.71 µg GAE/g of total phenolic content. High reducing power was found in the ethanol leaf extract, which was followed by aqueous and hexane extracts. The highest percentage of radical scavenging activity was found in the ethanolic extract (94.76% µg/mL) and aqueous extract (89.53% µg/mL). Thin layer chromatography carried out for the leaf ethanolic and flower/seed methanolic extracts detected the presence of three phenolic and six flavonoid bands. These are the phytochemicals implicated in various biological activities. The study of phytochemicals and antioxidants indicated R. graveolens as a good source of phytochemicals such as phenolic compounds and flavonoids. Further, identification of the phytochemicals is necessary to unravel the type of phenolic compounds from Ruta species collected in the wild.

Innovative Approach of Novel Drug Delivery System

2025-08-04T05:47:29+00:00

Novel Drug Delivery Systems (NDDS) stand out as a transformative approach, offering precise, efficient, and targeted drug delivery. These systems leverage nanoscale materials and structures to enhance the therapeutic efficacy of drugs while minimising side effects. NDDS are advanced formulations or technologies designed to optimise the delivery of drugs in the body, ensuring maximum therapeutic efficacy with minimal side effects. Novel drug delivery technologies have emerged as a transformative approach in modern medicine, aiming to overcome the limitations of conventional drug delivery systems. These technologies address challenges such as poor bioavailability, non-targeted delivery, and toxicity. This book chapter explores various types of novel drug delivery systems. It also discusses modern tools such as for modern drug delivery include nanoparticle, Niosome, polymeric systems, liposomes, Erythrocyte, films, strip, implant and prodrug. It also discusses stimuli-responsive systems and biodegradable carriers. It discusses their mechanisms of action, advantages, applications in cancer, neurological disorders, gene therapy, and vaccines, and examines the challenges and future perspectives in the field. With advancements in these technologies, the potential to revolutionise treatment paradigms is significant, improving therapeutic outcomes and patient quality of life. The future of drug delivery lies in the development of advanced systems that can target specific diseases, release drugs in a controlled manner, and minimise side effects. Continued research and innovation will be crucial to fully realising the potential of these technologies in clinical settings.

Development and Validation of a RP-HPLC Method for Simultaneous Estimation of Duloxetine and Methylcobalamin in Bulk and Tablet Dosage Form

2025-08-14T09:25:04+00:00

A simple, robust, precise, and accurate stability-indicating reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatographic (RP-HPLC) method was successfully developed and validated for the simultaneous estimation of Duloxetine (DLU) and Methylcobalamin (MCB) in their combined pharmaceutical dosage form. The chromatographic analysis was performed on an Inertsil C18 column with dimensions 4.6 × 250 mm and particle size 5 µm, utilising an isocratic elution technique. The mobile phase consisted of a phosphate buffer adjusted to pH 4.5, which facilitated adequate separation of the analytes. The flow rate of the mobile phase was maintained at 1.0 mL/min, and detection of the eluted components was carried out at a wavelength of 255.0 nm using a UV detector. Under the optimised chromatographic conditions, Duloxetine and Methylcobalamin were eluted at retention times of approximately 5.32 minutes and 3.59 minutes, respectively. The developed method showed excellent linearity over the concentration ranges of 20–120 µg/mL for Duloxetine and 10–60 µg/mL for Methylcobalamin. The correlation coefficients (r²) for both analytes were found to be 0.999, indicating a strong linear relationship between peak area and concentration within the specified ranges. Method accuracy was assessed by recovery studies, which demonstrated mean percentage recoveries of 99.68% for Duloxetine and 100.3% for Methylcobalamin, confirming the accuracy of the method. The relative standard deviation (RSD) values for both analytes in recovery studies were found to be not more than 2% (NMT 2%), reflecting high precision and reproducibility of the method. Precision was further evaluated by conducting intra-day and inter-day studies, both of which showed RSD values within acceptable limits (NMT 2%) for both drugs, supporting the reliability and repeatability of the method over different days and time intervals.

The developed RP-HPLC method was validated as per the International Council for Harmonisation (ICH) guidelines, ensuring that all critical parameters, including specificity, linearity, accuracy, precision, robustness, and system suitability, were thoroughly assessed and met the established acceptance criteria. The proposed method is therefore considered suitable for the routine quality control and stability analysis of Duloxetine and Methylcobalamin in their combined dosage forms.

Therapeutic and Pharmacological Insights into Nardostachys jatamansi DC: Bridging Traditional Use and Modern Science

2025-08-14T09:29:14+00:00

Background: Nardostachys jatamansi DC, commonly known as Indian spikenard, has a rich historical significance rooted in ancient texts. This widely utilised herb in traditional Chinese medicine has been historically employed in the management of various neuropsychiatric disorders.

Objectives: This review aims to consolidate existing knowledge on Nardostachys jatamansi (Indian spikenard), exploring its historical significance, botanical characteristics, chemical composition, and pharmacological activities to provide a comprehensive resource for researchers and clinicians.

Methodology: Information was gathered from Ayurvedic texts, modern scientific literature, and electronic databases including Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, Springer, and PubMed. The search included articles published up to 2025, using keywords such as "Nardostachys jatamansi," "botany of Nardostachys jatamansi," and "pharmacological activity of Nardostachys jatamansi." A systematic review of selected literature was conducted, focusing on botanical classification, taxonomy, ethnobotany, phytochemistry, and pharmacology. Data were analysed to identify traditional uses, chemical constituents, and experimentally validated pharmacological effects.

Results: Nardostachys jatamansi is highly regarded in Ayurvedic medicine for its diverse therapeutic properties, classified under various actions that promote health and well-being. Nardostachys jatamansi contains diverse chemical constituents, including terpenes, fatty acids, and other compounds such as jatamansone and nardostachone. Traditional uses in Ayurveda include treatments for neurological, cardiovascular, and dermatological conditions. Modern pharmacological studies support its antifungal, antibacterial, hepatoprotective, cardioprotective, hypolipidemic, antidepressant, antioxidant, neuroprotective, antiparkinson, anticonvulsant, anti-hyperglycemic, and anticancer activities.

Conclusion: Nardostachys jatamansi is a herb with significant therapeutic potential, supported by both traditional use and modern scientific evidence. Its diverse pharmacological activities warrant further investigation to explore clinical applications and develop novel therapeutic agents.

Qualitative Study on the Phytochemical Constituents and Antioxidant Activity Determination of the Flower Buds of Bauhinia variegata

2025-08-20T10:39:12+00:00

Bauhinia variegata is a species of flowering plant belonging to the family ‘Fabaceae’, which is native to Southeast Asia, Southern China, Pakistan and India. This is a popular ornamental tree in sub-tropical and tropical climates. Almost all the parts of the tree Bauhinia variegata are used pharmacologically as in obesity, bleeding piles, worms, cough, inflammatory skin diseases, balancing activity of thyroxin production, haematuria, dysuria, anti-ulcer, menorrhagia and goitre and many others.

The objective of the present study was to do a qualitative evaluation of phytochemicals present in the flower buds of Bauhinia variegata (BV) which belongs to the family “Fabaceae’ which is well known for its scented flowers. A few of the Bauhinia variegata trees (6 trees) were spotted in Universiti Sains Malaysia (U.S.M.), Penang, near the old building of ‘Subaida Restourant’.

The young, premature flower buds of the plant were subjected to analysis for their phytochemical constituents as fresh material. The fresh raw flower buds of the plant were macerated and subjected to hot percolation separately. The maceration was carried out for 72 hours with absolute alcohol. The hot percolation (Soxhlet extraction) was carried out in intervals, approximately for 40 hours. The shade-dried flower buds were also subjected to maceration and hot percolation separately with absolute alcohol. The extracts were dried over a rotary evaporator. After evaporation, the greenish pinkish colour gummy mass was obtained from the fresh flower bud extractions. The evaporated extracts of shade-dried flower buds were of a greenish gummy mass. Some of the extracts were greenish yellow and greenish in colour. All evaporated extracts were dissolved and diluted in the respective solvents for phytochemical analysis. The qualitative screening of analytical results showed the presence of alkaloids, reducing sugars, terpenoids, glycosides, tannins, flavonoids and carbohydrates in all the extractions. The tests for saponins revealed that this group was not present in any of the solvent extracts. Anthraquinones showed the presence in Flower A and Bud SA only, while this group was not present in Flower B, Bud A and Bud B samples. Antioxidant activity was also determined, showing highly antioxidant activity.

These findings highlight the therapeutic potential of Bauhinia variegata flower buds, and further studies are required to validate these results.